<p>The opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics was a starry night featuring back-to-back performances by A-listers such as Celine Dion, Lady Gaga and Aya Nakamura. However, a set of performances from drag queens is drawing significant criticism on&nbsp;social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the Summer Olympics opening ceremony, a set of drag queens including famous ones like Nicky Doll, best known for competing on RuPaul's Drag Race season 12 walked the fashion/runway segment of the ceremony.</p>

<p>Other well-known queens like Paloma, winner of Drag Race France season 1, and Piche, from Drag Race France season 3, made notable appearances alongside other drag performers.</p>

<p>However, the&nbsp;segment at the Olympics opening ceremony which had aimed to be a big moment for queer and drag representation earned major criticism when the 18 performances came together at a table as they depicted Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting of the 'Last Supper'.</p>

<p>The segment in question shows the drag performers gathering at a table set against the backdrop of the Seine River and posing&nbsp;like Jesus and his Twelve Apostles in the painting.</p>

<p>The depiction triggered the masses, and what angered the audience most&nbsp;was a woman standing in the centre, wearing a blue dress with a large silver headdress resembling a halo, much like how Jesus is depicted in the painting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another segment drawing backlash involved a man, covered in blue paint, who appeared at the table. The person wore flowers and fruit with a weird beard. He was said to have been depicting the dish served at the meal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the backlash,&nbsp;The Paris Olympics committee said the performance was an “interpretation of the Greek God [of wine and festivity] Dionysus” to make “us aware of the absurdity of violence between human beings,'' according to the New York Post.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Outrage on social media</h2>

<p>The drag performance took the internet by storm with several A-listers and netizens seeing it as an "insult" to billions of Christians around the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is outrageous. Kicking off your event by replacing Jesus and the disciples with men in drag is unacceptable," American&nbsp;podcast host Clint Russel wrote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another wrote, ''What a hideous, aesthetically appalling, morally repugnant and overall disastrous @Olympics opening ceremony. Companies with strong affiliation to @france as a brand should be concerned. #FranceHasFallen.''</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">France, once a catholic country, just mocked The Last Supper on a world wide stage. Disgusting!! They would never do this with Islam… <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OpeningCeremony?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OpeningCeremony</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Parigi2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Parigi2024</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FranceHasFallen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FranceHasFallen</a> <a href="https://t.co/PZ7fSFtUoq">pic.twitter.com/PZ7fSFtUoq</a></p>
— Anna (@lilwolf30) <a href="https://twitter.com/lilwolf30/status/1816937104678547964?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Space X CEO and Tesla head Elon Musk also slammed the performance, calling it&nbsp;“extremely disrespectful to Christians.”</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This was extremely disrespectful to Christians</p>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1816948075174203771?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is blasphemy of the Last Supper, the First Catholic Mass, and the Blessed Virgin Mary, sacrilegiously depicted here in a blue Baphomet Dress.<br />
<br />
I am calling on government and religious leaders worldwide to denounce this attack on the Catholic Faith.<br />
<br />
Who will stand with us? <a href="https://t.co/dAXKZueVnn">pic.twitter.com/dAXKZueVnn</a></p>
— Joseph D. McBride, Esq. (@McBrideLawNYC) <a href="https://twitter.com/McBrideLawNYC/status/1816931948322750582?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The 2024 Paris Olympics has gone full Woke dystopian.<br />
<br />
The opening ceremony was filled with transgend*r mockery of the Last Supper, the Golden Calf idol, and even the Pale Horse from the Book of Revelation.<br />
<br />
The Olympics has made it clear that Christian viewers aren't welcome. <a href="https://t.co/LgawyE6YRX">pic.twitter.com/LgawyE6YRX</a></p>
— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) <a href="https://twitter.com/kylenabecker/status/1816977236085416353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Who else is boycotting the Paris Olympics with the transgenders mocking Jesus? France has fallen to Muslim illegal immigration and woke ideology. I expect the Games to fail. But, pray for everyone’s safety. Hamas promising an attack. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/france2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#france2024</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FranceHasFallen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FranceHasFallen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/satanism?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#satanism</a>… <a href="https://t.co/0PZfqJMv3u">pic.twitter.com/0PZfqJMv3u</a></p>
— John Fitzgerald (@savageexecutive) <a href="https://twitter.com/savageexecutive/status/1817029261133558085?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Not only did this happen, we all let it happen<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FranceHasFallen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FranceHasFallen</a> <a href="https://t.co/LePZsBgbZ4">pic.twitter.com/LePZsBgbZ4</a></p>
— TIRBY (@TIRBYChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TIRBYChannel/status/1817032427401019722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The award-winning broadcaster&nbsp;said, ''I'm not religious, but the French depiction of the Last Supper is blatant disrespect and incitement. Jesus is portrayed as a woman and the disciples as transvestites. I wonder why they didn't mock Islam in a similar way. Actually, don’t answer as &nbsp;I know why.''</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I'm not religious, but the French depiction of the Last Supper is blatant disrespect and incitement. Jesus is portrayed as a woman and the disciples as transvestites. I wonder why they didn't mock Islam in a similar way. Actually, don’t answer as I know why. <a href="https://t.co/bynFQnTH5S">pic.twitter.com/bynFQnTH5S</a></p>
— Niall Boylan (@Niall_Boylan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Niall_Boylan/status/1816941841096519807?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">For when you want to prove that you are anti-Christian.... you invoke ancient god, paganism etc....<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FranceHasFallen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FranceHasFallen</a> <a href="https://t.co/BuV3z4H1Ip">pic.twitter.com/BuV3z4H1Ip</a></p>
— Mosquito Atlatl ⛪️ 🎯🏹 🦊 🦆⚔️ 🚜🚛🚚🚜🍎 (@Atlatl_Mosquito) <a href="https://twitter.com/Atlatl_Mosquito/status/1816980116830028050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics was a starry night featuring back-to-back performances by A-listers such as Celine Dion, Lady Gaga and Aya Nakamura.

The opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics was a starry night featuring back-to-back performances by A-listers such as Celine Dion, Lady Gaga and Aya Nakamura. However, a set of performances from drag queens is drawing significant criticism on social media. At the Summer Olympics opening ceremony, a set of drag queens including famous ones like Nicky Doll, best known for competing on RuPaul's Drag Race season 12 walked the fashion/runway segment of the ceremony. Other well-known queens like Paloma, winner of Drag Race France season 1, and Piche, from Drag Race France season 3, made notable appearances alongside other drag performers. However, the segment at the Olympics opening ceremony which had aimed to be a big moment for queer and drag representation earned major criticism when the 18 performances came together at a table as they depicted Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting of the 'Last Supper'. The segment in question shows the drag performers gathering at a table set against the backdrop of the Seine River and posing like Jesus and his Twelve Apostles in the painting. The depiction triggered the masses, and what angered the audience most was a woman standing in the centre, wearing a blue dress with a large silver headdress resembling a halo, much like how Jesus is depicted in the painting. Another segment drawing backlash involved a man, covered in blue paint, who appeared at the table. The person wore flowers and fruit with a weird beard. He was said to have been depicting the dish served at the meal. After the backlash, The Paris Olympics committee said the performance was an “interpretation of the Greek God [of wine and festivity] Dionysus” to make “us aware of the absurdity of violence between human beings,'' according to the New York Post. Outrage on social media The drag performance took the internet by storm with several A-listers and netizens seeing it as an "insult" to billions of Christians around the world. "This is outrageous. Kicking off your event by replacing Jesus and the disciples with men in drag is unacceptable," American podcast host Clint Russel wrote. Another wrote, ''What a hideous, aesthetically appalling, morally repugnant and overall disastrous @Olympics opening ceremony. Companies with strong affiliation to @france as a brand should be concerned. #FranceHasFallen.'' France, once a catholic country, just mocked The Last Supper on a world wide stage. Disgusting!! They would never do this with Islam… #OpeningCeremony #Parigi2024 #FranceHasFallen pic.twitter.com/PZ7fSFtUoq — Anna (@lilwolf30) July 26, 2024 × Space X CEO and Tesla head Elon Musk also slammed the performance, calling it “extremely disrespectful to Christians.” This was extremely disrespectful to Christians — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 26, 2024 × This is blasphemy of the Last Supper, the First Catholic Mass, and the Blessed Virgin Mary, sacrilegiously depicted here in a blue Baphomet Dress. I am calling on government and religious leaders worldwide to denounce this attack on the Catholic Faith. Who will stand with us? pic.twitter.com/dAXKZueVnn — Joseph D. McBride, Esq. (@McBrideLawNYC) July 26, 2024 × The 2024 Paris Olympics has gone full Woke dystopian. The opening ceremony was filled with transgend*r mockery of the Last Supper, the Golden Calf idol, and even the Pale Horse from the Book of Revelation. The Olympics has made it clear that Christian viewers aren't welcome. pic.twitter.com/LgawyE6YRX — Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) July 26, 2024 × Who else is boycotting the Paris Olympics with the transgenders mocking Jesus? France has fallen to Muslim illegal immigration and woke ideology. I expect the Games to fail. But, pray for everyone’s safety. Hamas promising an attack. #france2024 #FranceHasFallen #satanism… pic.twitter.com/0PZfqJMv3u — John Fitzgerald (@savageexecutive) July 27, 2024 × Not only did this happen, we all let it happen#FranceHasFallen pic.twitter.com/LePZsBgbZ4 — TIRBY (@TIRBYChannel) July 27, 2024 × The award-winning broadcaster said, ''I'm not religious, but the French depiction of the Last Supper is blatant disrespect and incitement. Jesus is portrayed as a woman and the disciples as transvestites. I wonder why they didn't mock Islam in a similar way. Actually, don’t answer as I know why.'' I'm not religious, but the French depiction of the Last Supper is blatant disrespect and incitement. Jesus is portrayed as a woman and the disciples as transvestites. I wonder why they didn't mock Islam in a similar way. Actually, don’t answer as I know why. pic.twitter.com/bynFQnTH5S — Niall Boylan (@Niall_Boylan) July 26, 2024 × For when you want to prove that you are anti-Christian.... you invoke ancient god, paganism etc....#FranceHasFallen pic.twitter.com/BuV3z4H1Ip — Mosquito Atlatl ⛪️ 🎯🏹 🦊 🦆⚔️ 🚜🚛🚚🚜🍎 (@Atlatl_Mosquito) July 26, 2024 ×

'Blasphemy and Insult': Paris Olympics draws backlash for 'Last Supper' drag performance

<p>The 2024 Paris Olympics are all set to take centre stage as 206 nations (including the refugee squad) prepare to stamp their authority on the biggest sporting event&nbsp;in the world. Friday (Jul&nbsp;26) will see a grand opening ceremony which will kickstart the 33rd Summer Olympic Games in Paris. While all&nbsp;eyes will be on the opening ceremony, Saturday (Jul 27) will officially be the first day of the 2024 Olympic Games with a host of Indian athletes on show including Lakshya Sen, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty and the hockey team.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨 Here’s the schedule for Day 1 (27th July) of the <a href="https://twitter.com/Paris2024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paris2024</a> Olympic Games! Tune in to cheer loud and proud for our athletes.<br />
<br />
Chalo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JeetKiAur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JeetKiAur</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cheer4Bharat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cheer4Bharat</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaAtParis24?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaAtParis24</a> <a href="https://t.co/lI2CJhSA1J">pic.twitter.com/lI2CJhSA1J</a></p>
— Team India (@WeAreTeamIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/WeAreTeamIndia/status/1816907463741902976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The majority of the Indian big names will be in action in their preliminary rounds on Day 1&nbsp;but eyes will be on shooting where the nation's second-largest squad&nbsp;will aim&nbsp;for glory. India has not won an Olympic medal in shooting since 2012 and with a 21-athlete contingent, there is every chance India could end that drought in Paris.</p>

<p>Ahead of Day 1 here is a look at India’s schedule as they aim&nbsp;for glory in Paris.</p>

<h2><strong>Badminton</strong></h2>

<p>Men’s singles group stage - 2:30 PM onwards</p>

<p>Women’s singles group stage - 12:50 PM onwards</p>

<p>Men’s doubles group stage - 1:40 PM onwards</p>

<p>Women’s doubles group stage - 1:40 PM onwards</p>

<h2><strong>Boxing</strong></h2>

<p>Women’s 54kg round of 32 - 7:00 PM onwards</p>

<h2><strong>Hockey</strong></h2>

<p>Men’s Group B: India v New Zealand - 9:00 PM</p>

<h2><strong>Rowing</strong></h2>

<p>Men’s single sculls heats - 12:30 PM onwards</p>

<h2><strong>Shooting</strong></h2>

<p>Mixed team 10m air rifle qualification - 12:30 PM</p>

<p>Men’s 10m air pistol qualification - 2:00 PM</p>

<p>Mixed team 10m air rifle medal rounds - 2:00 PM onwards</p>

<p>10m air pistol women’s qualification - 4:00 PM onwards</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-tour-of-sri-lanka-match-dates-venues-timings-teams-and-all-you-need-to-know-744373">India tour of Sri Lanka: Match dates, venues, timings, teams and all you need to know</a></p>

<h2><strong>Tennis</strong></h2>

<p>Men’s singles first round - 3:30 PM onwards</p>

<p>Men’s doubles first round - 3:30 PM onwards</p>

<h2><strong>Table Tennis</strong></h2>

<p>Men’s singles preliminary round - 6:30 PM onwards</p>

<p>Women’s singles preliminary round - 6:30 PM onwards</p>

<p>Men’s singles round of 64 - 11:30 PM onwards</p>

<p>Women’s singles round of 64 - 11:30 PM onwards</p>

<p><em>(All Timings in IST)</em></p>


The 2024 Paris Olympics are all set to take centre stage as 206 nations (including the refugee squad) prepare to stamp their authority on the biggest sporting event in the world.

The 2024 Paris Olympics are all set to take centre stage as 206 nations (including the refugee squad) prepare to stamp their authority on the biggest sporting event in the world. Friday (Jul 26) will see a grand opening ceremony which will kickstart the 33rd Summer Olympic Games in Paris. While all eyes will be on the opening ceremony, Saturday (Jul 27) will officially be the first day of the 2024 Olympic Games with a host of Indian athletes on show including Lakshya Sen, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty and the hockey team. 🚨 Here’s the schedule for Day 1 (27th July) of the @paris2024 Olympic Games! Tune in to cheer loud and proud for our athletes. Chalo #JeetKiAur #Cheer4Bharat | #IndiaAtParis24 pic.twitter.com/lI2CJhSA1J — Team India (@WeAreTeamIndia) July 26, 2024 × The majority of the Indian big names will be in action in their preliminary rounds on Day 1 but eyes will be on shooting where the nation's second-largest squad will aim for glory. India has not won an Olympic medal in shooting since 2012 and with a 21-athlete contingent, there is every chance India could end that drought in Paris. Ahead of Day 1 here is a look at India’s schedule as they aim for glory in Paris. Badminton Men’s singles group stage - 2:30 PM onwards Women’s singles group stage - 12:50 PM onwards Men’s doubles group stage - 1:40 PM onwards Women’s doubles group stage - 1:40 PM onwards Boxing Women’s 54kg round of 32 - 7:00 PM onwards Hockey Men’s Group B: India v New Zealand - 9:00 PM Rowing Men’s single sculls heats - 12:30 PM onwards Shooting Mixed team 10m air rifle qualification - 12:30 PM Men’s 10m air pistol qualification - 2:00 PM Mixed team 10m air rifle medal rounds - 2:00 PM onwards 10m air pistol women’s qualification - 4:00 PM onwards ALSO READ | India tour of Sri Lanka: Match dates, venues, timings, teams and all you need to know Tennis Men’s singles first round - 3:30 PM onwards Men’s doubles first round - 3:30 PM onwards Table Tennis Men’s singles preliminary round - 6:30 PM onwards Women’s singles preliminary round - 6:30 PM onwards Men’s singles round of 64 - 11:30 PM onwards Women’s singles round of 64 - 11:30 PM onwards (All Timings in IST)

Paris Olympics 2024: All you need to know about India's schedule on Day 1 as Lakshya Sen takes centre stage

<p>The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is set to face a huge backlash after allowing&nbsp;Dutch beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde, who was&nbsp;convicted of child rape in 2016, to compete at the Paris Summer Games. According to reports, public unions are threatening to call an investigation against the IOC for allowing the athlete to compete despite having a controversial background.</p>

<h2><strong>IOC faces backlash</strong></h2>

<p>Ciara Bergman, the CEO of Rape Crisis England &amp; Wales said the “irresponsible” inclusion of Van de Velde at the Olympics created an “enormous sense of impunity”, adding: “If you can rape a child and still compete in the Olympics, despite all athletes signing a declaration promising to be a role model, that is just shocking,” she said.</p>

<p>According to Bergman, the IOC needs to first investigate the Dutch sporting authority for allowing the volleyball player to compete. Van de Velde, who is now 29, was sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 after he pled&nbsp;guilty to raping a&nbsp;12-year-old British girl. He had flown to England to meet her in 2014 with full knowledge of her age, having met her on Facebook.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sl-v-ind-2024-sl-seamer-nuwan-thushara-to-miss-india-t20is-with-broken-finger-chameera-also-ruled-out-744038">SL v IND 2024: SL seamer Nuwan Thushara to miss India T20Is with broken finger, Chameera also ruled out</a></p>

<p>After pleading guilty to charges, Van de Velde served 12 months in a British prison, before being transferred to his home country where he was released after a&nbsp;month. He has since gone on to play internationally for the Netherlands.</p>

<p>However, that has not stopped the people’s group from protesting against the Dutch player&nbsp;who will be seen donning his country’s colours when&nbsp;the Paris Olympic Games kick off on Friday (July 26).</p>

<p>On Wednesday, Charlotte Dujardin, one of the greatest equestrian athletes from Great Britain had to withdraw from the Paris Games after the Federation of Equestrian Federations (FEI) obtained video of horse abuse and started investigations.</p>


The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is set to face a huge backlash after allowing Dutch beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde, who was convicted of child rape in 2016, to compete at the Paris Summer Games.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is set to face a huge backlash after allowing Dutch beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde, who was convicted of child rape in 2016, to compete at the Paris Summer Games. According to reports, public unions are threatening to call an investigation against the IOC for allowing the athlete to compete despite having a controversial background. IOC faces backlash Ciara Bergman, the CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales said the “irresponsible” inclusion of Van de Velde at the Olympics created an “enormous sense of impunity”, adding: “If you can rape a child and still compete in the Olympics, despite all athletes signing a declaration promising to be a role model, that is just shocking,” she said. According to Bergman, the IOC needs to first investigate the Dutch sporting authority for allowing the volleyball player to compete. Van de Velde, who is now 29, was sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 after he pled guilty to raping a 12-year-old British girl. He had flown to England to meet her in 2014 with full knowledge of her age, having met her on Facebook. ALSO READ | SL v IND 2024: SL seamer Nuwan Thushara to miss India T20Is with broken finger, Chameera also ruled out After pleading guilty to charges, Van de Velde served 12 months in a British prison, before being transferred to his home country where he was released after a month. He has since gone on to play internationally for the Netherlands. However, that has not stopped the people’s group from protesting against the Dutch player who will be seen donning his country’s colours when the Paris Olympic Games kick off on Friday (July 26). On Wednesday, Charlotte Dujardin, one of the greatest equestrian athletes from Great Britain had to withdraw from the Paris Games after the Federation of Equestrian Federations (FEI) obtained video of horse abuse and started investigations.

Paris Olympics: IOC faces backlash for allowing Steven van de Velde to compete despite child abuse charges

<p>With the Paris Olympics set to kick off on Friday (Jul&nbsp;26), Australian BMX freestyle champion Logan Martin has encountered an unfortunate incident. As he prepares&nbsp;to defend his Olympic title, Martin lost his equipment and wallet as thieves broke into the team's van in Brussels, Belgium. The Olympic medallist has described the incident as a&nbsp;"crazy start" to his title defence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Wednesday (Jul&nbsp;24), Martin shared videos on Instagram showcasing&nbsp;the van's passenger side window smashed whereas&nbsp;police officers were also seen talking with a member of the Australian team to enquire more about the mishap.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'What a crazy start'</strong></h2>

<p>Martin wrote on his Instagram post, "Our van got broken into last night. Luckily my bikes weren't in there, although my bike bags were in there with some things in it. What a crazy start to the trip. Our van got broken into overnight. Luckily most of our stuff was in our room and we managed to recover a lot of it too. I lost my wallet, backpack and a few other things but overall it didn’t end up being too bad. It’s unfortunate when people feel the need to do things like this."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9zJvZCpKss/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9zJvZCpKss/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9zJvZCpKss/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9zJvZCpKss/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Logan Martin OAM (@loganmartinbmx)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics/news-paris-olympics-all-you-need-to-know-about-indian-archers-schedule-on-eve-of-opening-ceremony-743981">Paris Olympics: All you need to know about Indian archers' schedule on eve of opening ceremony</a></strong></p>

<p>Martin and his teammates, however,&nbsp;later found some of their stolen bags near a bench courtesy of&nbsp;the identification tags on them. Nonetheless, the culprits had completely trashed the contents kept inside the bag as the Aussie champion&nbsp;would find his gloves as well as other equipments&nbsp;on the ground near the bench.</p>

<p>The incident is a big setback for Martin and his team ahead of the showpiece event. Notably, the BMX cycling event will commence&nbsp;with the quarterfinals on Aug&nbsp;1 and conclude on&nbsp;Aug&nbsp;3. BMX freestyle came into the picture in the Games for the first time in Tokyo 2020, where Martin created history by winning gold. The 30-year-old will be eager to replicate the same this time around.</p>


With the Paris Olympics set to kick off on Friday (Jul 26), Australian BMX freestyle champion Logan Martin has encountered an unfortunate incident. As he prepares to defend his Olympic title, Martin lost his equipment and wallet as thieves broke into the team's van in Brussels, Belgium.

With the Paris Olympics set to kick off on Friday (Jul 26), Australian BMX freestyle champion Logan Martin has encountered an unfortunate incident. As he prepares to defend his Olympic title, Martin lost his equipment and wallet as thieves broke into the team's van in Brussels, Belgium. The Olympic medallist has described the incident as a "crazy start" to his title defence. On Wednesday (Jul 24), Martin shared videos on Instagram showcasing the van's passenger side window smashed whereas police officers were also seen talking with a member of the Australian team to enquire more about the mishap. 'What a crazy start' Martin wrote on his Instagram post, "Our van got broken into last night. Luckily my bikes weren't in there, although my bike bags were in there with some things in it. What a crazy start to the trip. Our van got broken into overnight. Luckily most of our stuff was in our room and we managed to recover a lot of it too. I lost my wallet, backpack and a few other things but overall it didn’t end up being too bad. It’s unfortunate when people feel the need to do things like this." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Logan Martin OAM (@loganmartinbmx) × Also read: Paris Olympics: All you need to know about Indian archers' schedule on eve of opening ceremony Martin and his teammates, however, later found some of their stolen bags near a bench courtesy of the identification tags on them. Nonetheless, the culprits had completely trashed the contents kept inside the bag as the Aussie champion would find his gloves as well as other equipments on the ground near the bench. The incident is a big setback for Martin and his team ahead of the showpiece event. Notably, the BMX cycling event will commence with the quarterfinals on Aug 1 and conclude on Aug 3. BMX freestyle came into the picture in the Games for the first time in Tokyo 2020, where Martin created history by winning gold. The 30-year-old will be eager to replicate the same this time around.

Paris Olympics 2024: BMX champion Logan Martin's equipment and wallet gets stolen before title defence

<p>India’s women’s Archery team has secured qualification to the quarterfinal of the team event as the trio of Ankita Bhakat, Bhajan Kaur and Deepika Kumari finished fourth in the ranking round of the Paris Olympics on Thursday (Jul&nbsp;25). With a score of 1983 from the trio, they finished fourth in the qualification round which will now see them just two steps away from clinching a medal at the Paris Olympics. Ankita finished 11th while Bhajan and Deepika finished 22nd and 23rd respectively to book a place in the medal run-in.</p>

<h2><strong>India women’s archery team clinches QF berth</strong></h2>

<p>With the Paris Olympics officially starting on Friday (Jul 26), the preliminary rounds have already kicked off in the French capital&nbsp;for certain events including archery. There are&nbsp;high hopes for&nbsp;archery and&nbsp;the archer's contingent did not disappoint as they produced a marvellous show to finish fourth. This included 21 bullseyes and 83 10's which saw India book their place in final-run in.</p>

<p>Ankita was the best from the Indian lot having amassed 666 points. She was followed by Bhajan who ended with 659 and Deepika finishing with 658 points during a rather inconsistent run on Thursday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sl-v-ind-2024-sl-seamer-nuwan-thushara-to-miss-india-t20is-with-broken-finger-chameera-also-ruled-out-744038">SL v IND 2024: SL seamer Nuwan Thushara to miss India T20Is with broken finger, Chameera also ruled out</a></p>

<p>India finished fourth with 1983 points and if they better their position by one during the medal-run in they will end up on the podium.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, South Korea finished top of the standings with 2046 points with China and Mexico ending in the 2nd and 3rd spots with 1996 and 1986 points respectively.</p>

<p>The Indian team will now eye a medal in the Olympics in archery which will be another first for the nation having never won a medal in the sport. Deepika has been at the centre of expectations over the years when it comes to the Olympics but this time Ankita and Bhajan will look to help India clinch a medal in the sport.</p>


India’s women’s Archery team has secured qualification to the quarterfinal of the team event as the trio of Ankita Bhakat, Bhajan Kaur and Deepika Kumari finished fourth in the ranking round of the Paris Olympics on Thursday (Jul 25).

India’s women’s Archery team has secured qualification to the quarterfinal of the team event as the trio of Ankita Bhakat, Bhajan Kaur and Deepika Kumari finished fourth in the ranking round of the Paris Olympics on Thursday (Jul 25). With a score of 1983 from the trio, they finished fourth in the qualification round which will now see them just two steps away from clinching a medal at the Paris Olympics. Ankita finished 11th while Bhajan and Deepika finished 22nd and 23rd respectively to book a place in the medal run-in. India women’s archery team clinches QF berth With the Paris Olympics officially starting on Friday (Jul 26), the preliminary rounds have already kicked off in the French capital for certain events including archery. There are high hopes for archery and the archer's contingent did not disappoint as they produced a marvellous show to finish fourth. This included 21 bullseyes and 83 10's which saw India book their place in final-run in. Ankita was the best from the Indian lot having amassed 666 points. She was followed by Bhajan who ended with 659 and Deepika finishing with 658 points during a rather inconsistent run on Thursday. ALSO READ | SL v IND 2024: SL seamer Nuwan Thushara to miss India T20Is with broken finger, Chameera also ruled out India finished fourth with 1983 points and if they better their position by one during the medal-run in they will end up on the podium. Meanwhile, South Korea finished top of the standings with 2046 points with China and Mexico ending in the 2nd and 3rd spots with 1996 and 1986 points respectively. The Indian team will now eye a medal in the Olympics in archery which will be another first for the nation having never won a medal in the sport. Deepika has been at the centre of expectations over the years when it comes to the Olympics but this time Ankita and Bhajan will look to help India clinch a medal in the sport.

Paris Olympics 2024: India secures direct qualification in women's archery team event after finishing fourth

<p>The Olympic Games 2024 are all set to begin in a couple of days with&nbsp;athletes from 206 countries ready to compete in Paris, France. These are the 33rd Olympic games ever since they started back in 1896 and have been played every four years.</p>

<p>With 329 gold medals on the line in 32 sports, here's all you need to know about the Paris Olympics Games 2024.</p>

<h2><strong>When do the Paris Olympics Games 2024 start?</strong></h2>

<p>Paris Olympics Games 2024 start on July 26 and will go on for 18 days till August 11.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics/news-paris-olympics-excluding-boxing-from-la-games-would-be-a-crime---australian-boxers-743762">Paris Olympics: Excluding boxing from LA Games 'would be a crime' - Australian boxers</a></p>

<h2><strong>What time is the Paris Olympic Games 2024 opening ceremony?</strong></h2>

<p>The Paris Olympic Games 2024 opening ceremony is at 11:30 pm&nbsp;India time on July 26.</p>

<h2><strong>Who will be India's flag bearer at Paris Olympic Games 2024 opening ceremony?</strong></h2>

<p>Tennis player Sharath Kamal and PV Sindhu will be India's flag bearers at the Paris Olympic Games 2024 opening ceremony.</p>

<h2><strong>What time the Paris Olympic Games 2024 will be played in India time?</strong></h2>

<p>The Paris Olympic Games 2024 will start at roughly 11:00 am&nbsp;IST every day and will continue till the morning of the next day with most events being played in the evening.</p>

<h2><strong>How many Indian athletes are taking part in Paris Olympic Games 2024?</strong></h2>

<p>A total of 117 Indian athletes, 70 men and 47 women, will be participating in Paris Olympic Games 2024.</p>

<h2><strong>Who can win medal for India in Paris Olympic Games 2024?</strong></h2>

<p>Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, badminton player PV Sindhu, weightlifter Mirabai Chanu and boxer Nikhat Zareen are some of India's medal hopefuls in the Paris Olympic Games 2024.</p>

<h2><strong>Where to watch Paris Olympic Games 2024 live in India on TV?</strong></h2>

<p>Paris Olympic Games 2024 can be watched live in India on the Sports 18 TV channel.</p>

<h2><strong>Where to watch Paris Olympic Games 2024 live streaming in India?</strong></h2>

<p>Paris Olympic Games 2024 will be live streaming on the Jio Cinema app in India.</p>


The Olympic Games 2024 are all set to begin in a couple of days with athletes from 206 countries ready to compete in Paris, France. These are the 33rd Olympic games ever since they started back in 1896 and have been played every four years.

The Olympic Games 2024 are all set to begin in a couple of days with athletes from 206 countries ready to compete in Paris, France. These are the 33rd Olympic games ever since they started back in 1896 and have been played every four years. With 329 gold medals on the line in 32 sports, here's all you need to know about the Paris Olympics Games 2024. When do the Paris Olympics Games 2024 start? Paris Olympics Games 2024 start on July 26 and will go on for 18 days till August 11. Also Read: Paris Olympics: Excluding boxing from LA Games 'would be a crime' - Australian boxers What time is the Paris Olympic Games 2024 opening ceremony? The Paris Olympic Games 2024 opening ceremony is at 11:30 pm India time on July 26. Who will be India's flag bearer at Paris Olympic Games 2024 opening ceremony? Tennis player Sharath Kamal and PV Sindhu will be India's flag bearers at the Paris Olympic Games 2024 opening ceremony. What time the Paris Olympic Games 2024 will be played in India time? The Paris Olympic Games 2024 will start at roughly 11:00 am IST every day and will continue till the morning of the next day with most events being played in the evening. How many Indian athletes are taking part in Paris Olympic Games 2024? A total of 117 Indian athletes, 70 men and 47 women, will be participating in Paris Olympic Games 2024. Who can win medal for India in Paris Olympic Games 2024? Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, badminton player PV Sindhu, weightlifter Mirabai Chanu and boxer Nikhat Zareen are some of India's medal hopefuls in the Paris Olympic Games 2024. Where to watch Paris Olympic Games 2024 live in India on TV? Paris Olympic Games 2024 can be watched live in India on the Sports 18 TV channel. Where to watch Paris Olympic Games 2024 live streaming in India? Paris Olympic Games 2024 will be live streaming on the Jio Cinema app in India.

Paris Olympic Games 2024: India's contingent, flagbearer, medal hopeful athletes and all you need to know

<p>Rafael Nadal reached his first final since winning the 2022 French Open, defeating Croatian qualifier Duje Ajdukovic in a three-set tussle in Bastad on Saturday.</p>

<p>A day after his four-hour quarter-final victory, the 22-time Grand Slam champion was again tested to the limit by Ajdukovic, the world number 130 who had won just two tour-level matches before this week.</p>

<p>The Spaniard rebounded from dropping the opening set to prevail 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, returning to the final of a tournament he won as a teenager in 2005.</p>

<p>Nadal will play Portuguese seventh seed Nuno Borges or Argentina's Thiago Agustin Tirante on Sunday as he goes in search of the 93rd singles title of his career.</p>

<p>His most recent triumph came two years ago at Roland Garros, when he won the tournament for a record-extending 14th time.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/watch-shamar-joseph-breaks-roof-tiles-at-trent-bridge-with-monster-six-as-west-indies-take-first-innings-lead-742653">WATCH: Shamar Joseph breaks roof tiles at Trent Bridge with MONSTER six as West Indies take first innings lead</a></p>

<p>Nadal is using the event in Bastad as a tune-up for the Paris Olympics, where the tennis will be played on the clay at Roland Garros.</p>

<p>The 38-year-old returned to action this week for the first time since losing in the first round of the French Open&nbsp;in late May.</p>

<p>He is also due to play in the doubles later on Saturday alongside Casper Ruud.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: </strong>This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


Rafael Nadal reached his first final since winning the 2022 French Open, defeating Croatian qualifier Duje Ajdukovic in a three-set tussle in Bastad on Saturday.

Rafael Nadal reached his first final since winning the 2022 French Open, defeating Croatian qualifier Duje Ajdukovic in a three-set tussle in Bastad on Saturday. A day after his four-hour quarter-final victory, the 22-time Grand Slam champion was again tested to the limit by Ajdukovic, the world number 130 who had won just two tour-level matches before this week. The Spaniard rebounded from dropping the opening set to prevail 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, returning to the final of a tournament he won as a teenager in 2005. Nadal will play Portuguese seventh seed Nuno Borges or Argentina's Thiago Agustin Tirante on Sunday as he goes in search of the 93rd singles title of his career. His most recent triumph came two years ago at Roland Garros, when he won the tournament for a record-extending 14th time. ALSO READ | WATCH: Shamar Joseph breaks roof tiles at Trent Bridge with MONSTER six as West Indies take first innings lead Nadal is using the event in Bastad as a tune-up for the Paris Olympics, where the tennis will be played on the clay at Roland Garros. The 38-year-old returned to action this week for the first time since losing in the first round of the French Open in late May. He is also due to play in the doubles later on Saturday alongside Casper Ruud. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Rafael Nadal makes first final in two years at Bastad before Paris Olympics participation

<p>Rafael Nadal continued his Olympic preparations with a confident 6-4, 6-4 win over Cameron Norrie at the Bastad Open on Thursday, showing signs of the power hitting that fired him to 14 French Open titles.</p>

<p>The 38-year-old Spaniard continued his return to winning ways on the Swedish clay as he moved into the quarter-finals, racking up his ninth Tour win of the year and back-to-back wins for the first time since reaching the last-16 of the Madrid Open in April.</p>

<p>"Great feelings now, I've been a while now without playing on the Tour since Roland Garros and had the chance to compete well against a great player like Cameron," said Nadal during his on-court interview.</p>

<p>"I think I played, for moments, good tennis."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nadal now leads the former world number eight Briton 5-1 in their head-to-head record.</p>

<p>Nadal showed few signs of rustiness from the get-go against fifth-seed &nbsp;Norrie, clipping a superb forehand winner down the line after taking it on the half-volley behind his own baseline in the very first game.</p>

<p>The decisive moment of the first set came at 3-3 when the Spaniard converted his third break point to get the edge on the Briton, before holding off a late challenge by his opponent to serve out the set.</p>

<p>Nadal then took a tumble on his backhand side in the first game of the second set and required brief medical attention on his left elbow at the change of ends.</p>

<p>The 2005 Bastad champion made a quick recovery, holding serve. But Norrie inflicted the first damage of the second set by chasing down a short ball and playing a delicate drop-shot return to set up two break points, converting the second after Nadal overhit a forehand.</p>

<p>Norrie confirmed the break by winning a fantastic game point at 40-15 with a cross-court backhand on the run away from the net to take a 4-1 lead.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-tour-of-sri-lanka-suryakumar-yadav-confirmed-as-new-t20i-captain-rohit-virat-to-play-in-odis-742120">India tour of Sri Lanka: Suryakumar Yadav confirmed as new T20I captain; Rohit, Virat to play in ODIs</a></p>

<p>Nadal soon showed his pedigree on the clay to break back in style, taking Norrie's serve to love and signing off the game with a thumping doublehanded-backhand passing shot.</p>

<p>The 22-time Grand Slam champion was unstoppable as he ground his opponent down with powerful, topspin-heavy ground strokes. He broke Norrie again and served out to love, having won five games in a row to take the match in straight sets.</p>

<p>Nadal will next face Mariano Navone in the quarter-final, after the fourth-seed Argentinian earlier overcame India's Sumit Nagal in straight sets.</p>

<p>The 23-year-old world number 36 is the highest seed left in the draw after Dutch third seed Tallon Griekspoor was earlier eliminated by Kazakh qualifier Timofey Skatov.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


Rafael Nadal continued his Olympic preparations with a confident 6-4, 6-4 win over Cameron Norrie at the Bastad Open on Thursday, showing signs of the power hitting that fired him to 14 French Open titles.

Rafael Nadal continued his Olympic preparations with a confident 6-4, 6-4 win over Cameron Norrie at the Bastad Open on Thursday, showing signs of the power hitting that fired him to 14 French Open titles. The 38-year-old Spaniard continued his return to winning ways on the Swedish clay as he moved into the quarter-finals, racking up his ninth Tour win of the year and back-to-back wins for the first time since reaching the last-16 of the Madrid Open in April. "Great feelings now, I've been a while now without playing on the Tour since Roland Garros and had the chance to compete well against a great player like Cameron," said Nadal during his on-court interview. "I think I played, for moments, good tennis." Nadal now leads the former world number eight Briton 5-1 in their head-to-head record. Nadal showed few signs of rustiness from the get-go against fifth-seed Norrie, clipping a superb forehand winner down the line after taking it on the half-volley behind his own baseline in the very first game. The decisive moment of the first set came at 3-3 when the Spaniard converted his third break point to get the edge on the Briton, before holding off a late challenge by his opponent to serve out the set. Nadal then took a tumble on his backhand side in the first game of the second set and required brief medical attention on his left elbow at the change of ends. The 2005 Bastad champion made a quick recovery, holding serve. But Norrie inflicted the first damage of the second set by chasing down a short ball and playing a delicate drop-shot return to set up two break points, converting the second after Nadal overhit a forehand. Norrie confirmed the break by winning a fantastic game point at 40-15 with a cross-court backhand on the run away from the net to take a 4-1 lead. ALSO READ | India tour of Sri Lanka: Suryakumar Yadav confirmed as new T20I captain; Rohit, Virat to play in ODIs Nadal soon showed his pedigree on the clay to break back in style, taking Norrie's serve to love and signing off the game with a thumping doublehanded-backhand passing shot. The 22-time Grand Slam champion was unstoppable as he ground his opponent down with powerful, topspin-heavy ground strokes. He broke Norrie again and served out to love, having won five games in a row to take the match in straight sets. Nadal will next face Mariano Navone in the quarter-final, after the fourth-seed Argentinian earlier overcame India's Sumit Nagal in straight sets. The 23-year-old world number 36 is the highest seed left in the draw after Dutch third seed Tallon Griekspoor was earlier eliminated by Kazakh qualifier Timofey Skatov. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Spain's Rafael Nadal powers past Cameron Norrie to reach Bastad quarters

<p>Thousands of French security forces locked down a six-kilometre (four-mile) stretch of central Paris on Thursday ahead of the hugely complex Olympics opening ceremony next week.</p>

<p>The opening parade on July 26 that will see athletes sail down the river Seine led to the closure of central water-side residential districts to most vehicles from 5:00 am (0300 GMT) on Thursday.</p>

<p>Traffic on surrounding boulevards was noticeably lighter than usual as many drivers stayed away, but locals and tourists found themselves blocked at checkpoints, particularly when trying to cross the river.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's a real pain," cyclist Frank Groner, 52, told AFP after being turned away by police outside the La Samaritaine department store. "I read everything online and thought I'd understood. You can't cross anywhere!" &nbsp;</p>

<p>With the opening ceremony just eight days away, Paris is transforming itself as it prepares to welcome nearly nine million Olympics ticketholders.</p>

<p>Organisers are putting the finishing touches to the temporary sports stadiums at iconic locations such as the Eiffel Tower, the Invalides or the Place de la Concorde.</p>

<p>Advertising boards, new artwork and Olympics bunting are going up, while the creation of Olympic VIP traffic lanes this week are the latest change to the capital's gridlocked streets.</p>

<p>"The Olympics have brought us nothing but misery," taxi driver Rabah Ouanes, 53, complained on Thursday, saying traffic had been dreadful because of all the construction work.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the run up to the Games, tourist numbers are much lower-than-usual and many Paris residents have headed off on holiday to avoid the disruption.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our clients are down by 50 percent," said Renaud, a senior waiter at the famed Deux Magots cafe in Saint-German-des-Pres, which is inside the new security perimeter set up on Thursday.</p>

<p>"Normally we have people queuing out the door," he told AFP, gesturing towards the numerous empty seats on the outdoor terrace.</p>

<h2>Super excited</h2>

<p>Elsewhere on Thursday, the first athletes arrived at the newly built Olympic Village in the Saint-Ouen northern suburb of the capital which urban planners are hoping to regenerate.</p>

<p>Comprising 40 different low-rise housing blocs, the complex has been built as a showcase of innovative construction techniques using low-carbon concrete, water recycling and reclaimed building materials.</p>

<p>It was also intended to be free of air-conditioning, but Olympic delegations have ordered around 2,500 portable cooling units for their athletes out of fear of high temperatures.</p>

<p>"We are super excited to check how it's looking," Australian hockey player Stephanie Kershaw told AFP as she waited to enter the village. "We can't wait to get started."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Members of the Argentinian, Brazilian and Kenyan delegations could be seen pushing luggage trolleys into the complex, while British and US athletes are also expected on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At full capacity, the village will host 14,500 people including 9,000 athletes.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-tour-of-sri-lanka-suryakumar-yadav-confirmed-as-new-t20i-captain-rohit-virat-to-play-in-odis-742120">India tour of Sri Lanka: Suryakumar Yadav confirmed as new T20I captain; Rohit, Virat to play in ODIs</a></p>

<h2><strong>Unprecedented ceremony</strong></h2>

<p>Securing the Paris Games remains the biggest priority for French authorities, with Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin insisting Wednesday that there was "no credible threat" against them at this stage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The opening ceremony has been giving senior police officers cold sweats ever since it was announced in 2021 because of the difficulty of protecting such a large, densely packed urban area.</p>

<p>Around 6,000-7,000 athletes are set to sail down the Seine on nearly a hundred barges and river boats.</p>

<p>It will be the first time a Summer Olympics has opened outside the main athletics stadium, with up to 500,000 people set to watch in person from stands, on the river banks and from the overlooking apartments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two-tiered security perimeter installed on Thursday has restricted most vehicles from central areas.</p>

<p>Anyone wanting to enter the highest-security "grey zone" along both banks of the Seine, such as residents or tourists with hotel reservations in the area, needs a security pass in the form of a QR code.</p>

<p>River barriers blocking access to the Seine were installed and functioning on Thursday, while a vast no-fly zone will be put in place above the capital on the evening of the ceremony.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The installation of tens of thousands of metal security barriers all along the route of the parade and around the temporary venues has also outraged some Parisians.</p>

<p>Martine Dubois, a 74-year-old living in Saint-Germain-des-Pres, said the Olympics were "a real inconvenience".</p>

<p>The metro stop she uses for work was one of 10 closed for security reasons on Thursday and the barriers "make you feel like you're living in a prison," she told AFP.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


Thousands of French security forces locked down a six-kilometre (four-mile) stretch of central Paris on Thursday ahead of the hugely complex Olympics opening ceremony next week.

Thousands of French security forces locked down a six-kilometre (four-mile) stretch of central Paris on Thursday ahead of the hugely complex Olympics opening ceremony next week. The opening parade on July 26 that will see athletes sail down the river Seine led to the closure of central water-side residential districts to most vehicles from 5:00 am (0300 GMT) on Thursday. Traffic on surrounding boulevards was noticeably lighter than usual as many drivers stayed away, but locals and tourists found themselves blocked at checkpoints, particularly when trying to cross the river. "It's a real pain," cyclist Frank Groner, 52, told AFP after being turned away by police outside the La Samaritaine department store. "I read everything online and thought I'd understood. You can't cross anywhere!" With the opening ceremony just eight days away, Paris is transforming itself as it prepares to welcome nearly nine million Olympics ticketholders. Organisers are putting the finishing touches to the temporary sports stadiums at iconic locations such as the Eiffel Tower, the Invalides or the Place de la Concorde. Advertising boards, new artwork and Olympics bunting are going up, while the creation of Olympic VIP traffic lanes this week are the latest change to the capital's gridlocked streets. "The Olympics have brought us nothing but misery," taxi driver Rabah Ouanes, 53, complained on Thursday, saying traffic had been dreadful because of all the construction work. In the run up to the Games, tourist numbers are much lower-than-usual and many Paris residents have headed off on holiday to avoid the disruption. "Our clients are down by 50 percent," said Renaud, a senior waiter at the famed Deux Magots cafe in Saint-German-des-Pres, which is inside the new security perimeter set up on Thursday. "Normally we have people queuing out the door," he told AFP, gesturing towards the numerous empty seats on the outdoor terrace. Super excited Elsewhere on Thursday, the first athletes arrived at the newly built Olympic Village in the Saint-Ouen northern suburb of the capital which urban planners are hoping to regenerate. Comprising 40 different low-rise housing blocs, the complex has been built as a showcase of innovative construction techniques using low-carbon concrete, water recycling and reclaimed building materials. It was also intended to be free of air-conditioning, but Olympic delegations have ordered around 2,500 portable cooling units for their athletes out of fear of high temperatures. "We are super excited to check how it's looking," Australian hockey player Stephanie Kershaw told AFP as she waited to enter the village. "We can't wait to get started." Members of the Argentinian, Brazilian and Kenyan delegations could be seen pushing luggage trolleys into the complex, while British and US athletes are also expected on Thursday. At full capacity, the village will host 14,500 people including 9,000 athletes. ALSO READ | India tour of Sri Lanka: Suryakumar Yadav confirmed as new T20I captain; Rohit, Virat to play in ODIs Unprecedented ceremony Securing the Paris Games remains the biggest priority for French authorities, with Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin insisting Wednesday that there was "no credible threat" against them at this stage. The opening ceremony has been giving senior police officers cold sweats ever since it was announced in 2021 because of the difficulty of protecting such a large, densely packed urban area. Around 6,000-7,000 athletes are set to sail down the Seine on nearly a hundred barges and river boats. It will be the first time a Summer Olympics has opened outside the main athletics stadium, with up to 500,000 people set to watch in person from stands, on the river banks and from the overlooking apartments. The two-tiered security perimeter installed on Thursday has restricted most vehicles from central areas. Anyone wanting to enter the highest-security "grey zone" along both banks of the Seine, such as residents or tourists with hotel reservations in the area, needs a security pass in the form of a QR code. River barriers blocking access to the Seine were installed and functioning on Thursday, while a vast no-fly zone will be put in place above the capital on the evening of the ceremony. The installation of tens of thousands of metal security barriers all along the route of the parade and around the temporary venues has also outraged some Parisians. Martine Dubois, a 74-year-old living in Saint-Germain-des-Pres, said the Olympics were "a real inconvenience". The metro stop she uses for work was one of 10 closed for security reasons on Thursday and the barriers "make you feel like you're living in a prison," she told AFP. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Olympics 2024: Central Paris locks down as athletes arrive ahead of next week's opening ceremony

<p>A French charity warned Tuesday about air pollution problems at the athletes' village for the Paris Olympics which is set to welcome the first of thousands of competitors later this week.</p>

<p>Respire, which released a report into air quality problems at sports fields around the French capital, said that its results showed that "almost all" of the worst polluted sites were close to the Paris ring road.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/who-will-replace-gareth-southgate-as-england-manager-howe-potter-and-pochettino-lead-race-741484">Who will replace Gareth Southgate as England manager? Howe, Potter and Pochettino lead race</a></p>

<p>The Olympic village in the northern Paris suburb of Saint-Ouen sits just beside the eight-lane highway, which is visible from many of the apartments.</p>

<p>"Spikes in pollution can prevent sports people from reaching elite performance levels and cause asthma attacks and even dizzy spells," the report said.</p>

<p>The "vast majority" of 112 sports centres studied in Paris and its suburbs have air pollution above the maximum levels recommended by the World Health Organisation, according to the study which used data from air monitoring service Airparif.</p>

<p>Five experimental outdoor air filters which resemble UFO-like towers have been installed at the Olympic village and will suck in air and filter out dangerous particles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The roughly 40 low-rise towers of the village will welcome the first of 10,000 Olympians on Thursday ahead of the start of the Paris Games on July 26.</p>


A French charity warned Tuesday about air pollution problems at the athletes' village for the Paris Olympics which is set to welcome the first of thousands of competitors later this week.

A French charity warned Tuesday about air pollution problems at the athletes' village for the Paris Olympics which is set to welcome the first of thousands of competitors later this week. Respire, which released a report into air quality problems at sports fields around the French capital, said that its results showed that "almost all" of the worst polluted sites were close to the Paris ring road. Also Read: Who will replace Gareth Southgate as England manager? Howe, Potter and Pochettino lead race The Olympic village in the northern Paris suburb of Saint-Ouen sits just beside the eight-lane highway, which is visible from many of the apartments. "Spikes in pollution can prevent sports people from reaching elite performance levels and cause asthma attacks and even dizzy spells," the report said. The "vast majority" of 112 sports centres studied in Paris and its suburbs have air pollution above the maximum levels recommended by the World Health Organisation, according to the study which used data from air monitoring service Airparif. Five experimental outdoor air filters which resemble UFO-like towers have been installed at the Olympic village and will suck in air and filter out dangerous particles. The roughly 40 low-rise towers of the village will welcome the first of 10,000 Olympians on Thursday ahead of the start of the Paris Games on July 26.

Paris Olympics 2024: French charity warns athletes of 'air pollution' at Olympic village

<p>A 40-year-old man was arrested Monday (Jul 15) by French authorities after he stabbed an on-duty soldier at the Gare de l’Est station in northern Paris. The attack came just two weeks ahead of the beginning of the Olympic Games in the capital city. The soldier suffered a knife wound between the shoulder blades and was out of danger, said Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin on social media. The suspect has now been placed in psychiatric care, local media reported.</p>

<p>Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu paid tribute to the injured soldier, saying, “Thoughts to the soldier injured tonight at the Gare de l’Est” in a post on X.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: US to deploy long-range weapons to Germany; France, Italy &amp; Germany to develop long-range missiles</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-to-deploy-long-range-weapons-to-germany-france-italy-germany-to-develop-long-range-missiles-740118/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The soldier was part of a special military operation unit deployed around sensitive areas in Paris following the 2015 Islamist attacks on the satirical Charlie Hebdo newspaper.</p>

<h2><strong>Motivation for the attack</strong></h2>

<p>Public prosecutors are investigating the case as attempted murder as they seek to establish “the circumstances and the motivation”. The man, born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, became a French national in 2006, according to police sources.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwig2oWEvquHAxWMjq8BHehFKigQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-from-a-banker-to-the-youngest-president-of-france-738657" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-from-a-banker-to-the-youngest-president-of-france-738657&amp;ved=2ahUKEwig2oWEvquHAxWMjq8BHehFKigQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">Emmanuel Macron: From a banker to the youngest President of France</a></strong></p>

<p>According to one source quoted by news agencies, the man attacked the soldier as "the French military kills people in his country”. At the moment of the attack, he shouted ‘God is great’ in French, according to another source.</p>

<h2><strong>Suspect linked to a 2018 murder</strong></h2>

<p>The suspect was previously placed in psychiatric care in 2018 after his name emerged in a murder case. At that time, the man stabbed a 22-year-old to death at the Chatelet-les-Halles metro station in central Paris. But a court ruling, seen by news agency AFP, said he was never tried for the murder as he couldn't be held responsible due to diminished responsibility.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A 40-year-old man was arrested Monday (Jul 15) by French authorities after he stabbed an on-duty soldier at the Gare de l’Est station in northern Paris. The attack came just two weeks ahead of the beginning of the Olympic Games in the capital city.

A 40-year-old man was arrested Monday (Jul 15) by French authorities after he stabbed an on-duty soldier at the Gare de l’Est station in northern Paris. The attack came just two weeks ahead of the beginning of the Olympic Games in the capital city. The soldier suffered a knife wound between the shoulder blades and was out of danger, said Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin on social media. The suspect has now been placed in psychiatric care, local media reported. Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu paid tribute to the injured soldier, saying, “Thoughts to the soldier injured tonight at the Gare de l’Est” in a post on X. Watch: US to deploy long-range weapons to Germany; France, Italy & Germany to develop long-range missiles × The soldier was part of a special military operation unit deployed around sensitive areas in Paris following the 2015 Islamist attacks on the satirical Charlie Hebdo newspaper. Motivation for the attack Public prosecutors are investigating the case as attempted murder as they seek to establish “the circumstances and the motivation”. The man, born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, became a French national in 2006, according to police sources. Also read: Emmanuel Macron: From a banker to the youngest President of France According to one source quoted by news agencies, the man attacked the soldier as "the French military kills people in his country”. At the moment of the attack, he shouted ‘God is great’ in French, according to another source. Suspect linked to a 2018 murder The suspect was previously placed in psychiatric care in 2018 after his name emerged in a murder case. At that time, the man stabbed a 22-year-old to death at the Chatelet-les-Halles metro station in central Paris. But a court ruling, seen by news agency AFP, said he was never tried for the murder as he couldn't be held responsible due to diminished responsibility. (With inputs from agencies)

DR Congo-born man attacks French soldier in Paris for 'killing his countrymen', detained

Ahead of the forthcoming Paris OIympics, which kicks off on July 26, here is a look at the medal winners from the Indian contingent from the previous edition, held in Tokyo in 2021.

Paris Olympics 2024: India's medal winners in Tokyo 2020

paris-olympic

Paris Olympic, News on Paris Olympic, stories on Paris Olympic, articles on Paris Olympic, Paris Olympic stories at Wion, Paris Olympic news, Paris Olympic latest news

paris olympic